YOU ARE NOT ALONE - A companion online community discussion board for The Mental Illness Happy Hour podcast with Paul Gilmartin

Sad and disturbing as Mick's story was, I thoroughly enjoyed this episode. Although I want to go back in time and punch most of his family...

Agree, this ranks as one of my all-time favorite episodes. It was heartbreaking to hear how much Mick suffered as a child, but how incredible to know that he persevered better than anyone could have imagined. Though he still deals with a lot of self-doubt and mistrust ("This is spaghetti"), he was able to have a family, be self-aware enough to get help, and have a career.

I also enjoyed him and Paul riffing off each other--the comedy breaks brought some appreciative black humor. They seem like they would make great friends.

Is there any more specific information as to the group meeting he attends. Its sounds like an aa meeting but better. Iv been somewhat dissappointed by aa meetings.

Wow, what an amazing interview. Just as I think I can't possibly hear any more extraordinary life stories on here, I go and find yet another one. I thought the way Paul interjected jokes into the incredibly dark stuff was superb and they both struck EXACTLY the right tone throughout the conversation - without the comic pauses it would probably have too much to listen to in one sitting. Whenever I hear somebody who has had so much more shit to deal with than me I find it deeply humbling and inspiring i.e. what do I have to be depressed about? Of course, it's not like that, is it? Depression is a mental ILLNESS that is often not related to your life, surroundings or circumstances. But if Mick can cope with that then WE CAN ALL COPE WITH OUR OWN PERSONAL SHIT AND TRAUMA, CAN'T WE? YES WE CAN

Jesus, I feel so sorry for Mick. I hope he finds his plate without worms, his peace without having to think or worry that everything is about to turn to crap.

Has anyone ever thought about surrogate role models? I know the Genie of a traumatic childhood, and an abhor-able set of parents can't be put back in the bottle, nor life "re-done", but their has to be an answer to undo the harm of the original program so that Mick would not have to live wondering how to be a good dad to his children.

Duh, I suppose that is what therapy is, but I was wondering about some other new approach that can be used with therapy for a more effective result. Perhaps the answer is more Spect images of the brain (ala Dr. Daniel Amen) while certain talk-therapy is going on to see the parts of the brain that light up, thus learning what to show to the patient to help re-program over the damaged thought process? I feel so bad for people like Mick that through no fault of their own, have that burden to carry on throughout life. I hope everyone who listens to these shows understands how important it is to be decent to each other in everyday life. We all are connected, and can choose to spread good or bad vibes throughout the world based on our words and actions.

This one was fascinating. What a childhood. I always try to remind myself that as bad as I think things were when I was young, somebody else had it worse. And the worms--I was listening while lying down and I sat straight up when he talked about that. I've actually gone to listen to a couple of Mick's podcasts and I've subscribed. Paul introduces us to so many really great people who somehow have fought and continue fighting.

I have listened to this podcast about three times and found it extremely helpful. There is so much wisdom in it and every bit of it has been hard fought for through Mick's contemplation, reflection and willingness to admit that everyone is flawed in some way shape or form. It drove home for me that it is ultimately up to us, as crushingly difficult as that my be sometimes, to figure out our own coping strategies. That said, and I hope Mick doesn't mind, I have stolen his worms analogy and found it really helps with some of my negative thinking.

Thanks Mick, and to all of Paul's guests, for their bravery in opening up about the battles they face and have faced. It has helped me enormously.

Paul, the podcast is a lifesaver (most likely quite literary) . You should be proud of what you have done!